After Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Republic of Benin has adopted a pragmatic approach to continuing cooperation with these countries.
Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, clearly expressed his intention to strengthen relations with the countries of the Sahel States Alliance (AES).
In an interview, Bakari emphasized that Benin would continue its cooperation with AES countries, aiming for development and the well-being of their peoples. “We will continue to work with them on issues that are important for the development of our societies and our region,” he stated.
Furthermore, Bakari noted that the decision of these countries to withdraw from ECOWAS is their sovereign right, saying, “It is the right of one or several states to leave ECOWAS. We should respect this and look for ways to cooperate.” The minister stressed the vital importance of dialogue and regional cooperation for the development of the region.
Benin’s approach focuses on developing relations with Sahel countries, which are grappling with political and economic instability. Continued cooperation in the region aims to create new opportunities in security, trade, and development.
